Kelly: A tale of two budgets

It’s no surprise that Paul Ryan’s budget passed the House of Representatives recently, although it is refreshing that 10 Republicans voted against it. Nor is it any surprise that Mitt Romney is also for this budget and has embraced it, and Paul Ryan, who has in turn endorsed him.

So we have a look at what the Republicans want to do with the budget. Number one, they want to cut taxes for the rich even more than now. This budget also doesn’t lower the debt very much – which shows that lowering the debt is not their priority, but only lip service to those who don’t look closely at the details.

This budget would hurt so many people who are not rich. Medicare, one of the most popular programs we have, would change to a voucher program, with seniors hoping to find a benevolent insurance company who would accept their “voucher” and provide them with the health care they need. Good luck with that.

Prescription drug costs would rise again. The budget also slashes $3.3 trillion from other programs for low-income citizens, hurting not only the elderly, but the disabled and the poor. There is absolutely no concern for anyone in the middle or lower class income levels.

This budget cuts jobs and slashes investments in programs such as highway spending, education, basic research, sustainable energy, and more.

In contrast, we have another budget. It won’t pass, maybe won’t even come to a vote, but it shows what could happen if the Democrats win back the House of Representatives in November. It is the budget for all, from the Progressive Caucus of the Democratic Party in the House.

This budget helps put Americans back to work, charts a path to responsible deficit reduction, enhances our economic competitiveness, rebuilds the middle class, and invests in our future, according to the Progressive Caucus website.

There are no cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security, and it asks those who benefit most in this country to pay a fair share. This was common policy until recently, when greed took over.

The budget provides $2.9 trillion in job-creating opportunities. This would help those seeking employment.

Without devastating programs that almost all Americans want, this budget would achieve $6.8 trillion in deficit reduction.

This budget returns us to a more fair tax policy.

It brings the troops home.

It helps to protect families.

The contrast is clear — the choice is clear as well.

What kind of society do we wish for the future? One where the majority of people matter, and have a fair shake. Or one which caters to the wealthy far beyond their share?

This is not about class warfare — that is just a Fox News talking point, which is now echoed by all the Republican candidates for the nomination. We should have room for people of all income levels — and all of them should benefit from our American society as American citizens. This is the way it was in the past, and there is no reason that it cannot be that way again.

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